Dietary Supplements
Dietary supplements that may be useful in the treatment of depression include:
- amino acids and their precursors
- dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
- folate
- S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)
Researchers believe that these nutrients may alter the production of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals implicated in mood disorders. While the effectiveness of DHEA and SAMe in the treatment of depression has been scientifically established, further research is warranted for the other dietary supplements mentioned above.
Dietary supplements are sometimes used as a primary treatment for depression. More often, they are helpful as an adjunctive therapy to standard antidepressant medication.
Additional studies on the effects of diet on depression also suggest that elimination of caffeine and sucrose may be associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms as well.
Dietary Supplements: Amino Acids and Amino Acid Precursors
DL-Phenylalanine
DL-Phenylalanine, a precursor amino acid of B-phenylethylamine, may be as effective as imipramine (a tricyclic antidepressant) in relieving endogenous depression. The potential side effects of the compound are elevated blood pressure, headache, irritability, aggressiveness, and insomnia. DL-phenylalanine is contraindicated in schizophrenics and should not be combined with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HT)
L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HT) is the immediate precursor of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. In one study, depressed individuals treated with either fluvoxamine (Luvox®) (one of the SSRIs class of antidepressant medications) or 5-HT exhibited similar improvement in their depressive symptoms. The potential side effects associated with 5-HT include nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhea.
L-Tryptophan
L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid found in dietary protein. Some studies suggest that it may be an effective antidepressant when used alone or when used as an adjunct to prescription antidepressant medication. L-tryptophan may be effective for treatment of bipolar depression as well. Because its use is associated with a rare disorder, eosinophilia-myalgia (characterized by muscle pain, tissue swelling, and skin and lung problems), L-tryptophan is available in the U.S. by prescription only.
Tyrosine
Tyrosine is an amino acid precursor of catecholamines (compounds responsible for the fight-or-flight response in the body). Similar to many antidepressants, tyrosine can increase the synthesis of catecholamines in depressed individuals. In one study, tyrosine elevated mood in depressed patients but less so than imipramine (a tricyclic antidepressant).
Dietary Supplements: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
Some studies suggest the molecule dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may be an effective treatment for major depression when used alone or as an adjunct to antidepressants. DHEA may work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain and blocking the effects of certain stress hormones, such as cortisol. Potential adverse effects associated with use of DHEA include oily skin, acne, deepening of the voice, overactivation, disinhibition, aggression, mania, or psychosis.
Dietary Supplements: Folate
Studies on folic acid have focused mainly on its effectiveness when used in conjunction with antidepressant medication. Folic acid is necessary for the production of neurotransmitters. In one trial, people exhibiting folate deficiency responded less quickly to antidepressant medication than did people with normal folate levels. Folic acid appears to accelerate the onset of the therapeutic effect of imipramine (a tricyclic antidepressant).
Dietary Supplements: S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)
Several studies suggest that the dietary supplement S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) may have beneficial effects on mood. SAMe may alleviate symptoms of depression when used alone or as an adjunct to antidepressant medication. The compound is believed to achieve this effect by modulating the serotonin and dopamine systems in the brain. Potential side effects associated with use of SAMe include arm soreness; hot, itchy ears; and crawling sensation on the skin.
Dietary Supplements: Caffeine and Sucrose Elimination
Some studies on the effects of diet on depression have shown that individuals experiencing major depression may achieve a significant improvement in their depressive symptoms by eliminating both sucrose (common table sugar) and caffeine from their diets. The beneficial mood-elevating effects appear to be long-lasting. In one study, people who eliminated both sucrose and caffeine maintained their elevated mood for three months after modifying their diet.
